Trail Tuna Noodle Casserole Recipe

Ever since I was a kid I've loved tuna noodle casserole.  It's that home cooked meal you need every once in a while...especially my moms.  She use to make it "perfect" every time and I try to achieve that about once a month on my own at the house.  As a follower of the YouTube channel UrbanPrepper I saw he was having a "Bug Out Cook Out" contest.  I wondered if I could make tuna noodle (aka tuna nooda as my son calls it) on my backpacking pot and stove.  So I generated a recipe and gave it a shot.  Here is the end result:

I'm very surprised how it came out.  I'm sure I could tweak the ingredients and make it very close to "my" homemade version, but this was darn near perfect on the first shot.  I searched the web to see if another folks were cooking this dish on trail (after my first attempt) and found a few variants, but they were nowhere near my version with a creamy mushroom base.  Total success as far as I'm concerned.

So now I can basically cook a home cooked meal on the trail.  Perfect way to prepare for a chilly night on the mountain.  Thanks for the motivation UrbanPrepper!

DIY Alcohol Backpacking Stove Test Burn

So this weekend I got into building some lightweight alcohol burning stoves for backpacking.  I've been watching Tinny and WoodenArrows on YouTube and they've got me thinking of how I can build some stoves and pots for myself.  

I started with some Dollar Store aluminum water bottles and some Miller Light aluminum bottles.  The video below is the first "useable" stove I made.  I pretty much crushed the first one (on left) when I was trying to fit the two parts together and the third (on right) I changed the jet arraignment to see if I could make it more efficient.  I used the beer bottles to make some lightweight versions that are still being finished.  I plan on testing those soon.  As you can see these stoves can heat water quickly.  This one is the stove in the middle.  I still need to build a windscreen and do some actual field testing before taking these little guys with me.  

 

Aluminum Bottle Backpacking Stoves

Gave it my first serious try at making some alcohol burning stoves.  This is from a dollar store water bottle.  Still trying to figure out the most efficient way to boil water.  Testing in progress see video below.

It's is done!

I'm back!  Just finished my first overnight backpacking experience.  It was everything I expected and so much more. I learned a ton!  My gear and pack out list need some work, but  I'm ready to share my experiences.  In the next few weeks I'll be posting on my trip, the gear and the lessons learned (some harder than others).  Stay tuned!  

Route Research Done

Google Earth is the sh!t!  I knew it could do some cool stuff, but these were scans to PDF's I imported and registered.  My whole trip is in all it's three dimension glory.    Heck I've even been scouting my campsite for the best views on my route.  Much more coming.  

Backpacking Trip

Been planning my backpacking trip for later in July.  Wasn't able to do the whole Art Loeb Trail due to a logistics issue, but I have a good alternative.  As I get closer I'll post my gear and routes.  Stay tuned! 

Art Loeb Trail This Summer

IT'S ON!!!  Today I dropped the idea that I'm interested in doing a overnight hike while we're on family vacation near Mount Pisgah, NC.  The wife looked at me and said "By yourself...your weird!"

With that comment...she picked up a MSR Pocket Rocket Stove and a few clothing items I'll need as a Fathers Day gift.  Not sure if they we're planned, but YES!!!  We're in business.

I've been a day hiker and camper for many years, but now I need to get my backpacking skills ready.  Watch me plan here.  

Paracord Fun!

I'm a recent Instructables Pro (paid) account subscriber.  I got it to download projects to do with my son.  While I was looking through I found a few quick paracord projects.  Pictured is the In-and-out Knot and loop Bracelet.  I made this to wear when I was hiking, camping or geocaching.  One quick cut of the knot and I have about 12-15 ft of paracord for use.  Plus it doesn't look to bad.  Post you photos if you decide to make one.  

Maxpedition Falcon II Backpack Review

I never thought much about buying a pack. I did however, put some hours into choosing the Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack.  I started to focus on a cheaper pack that seemed to get good reviews, but it was hit or miss on the quality of two key items (straps and zippers).  I like assurance and if I'm going to spend $80 on a no name pack then I can easily justify the $110 for the widely known Maxpedition.  The quality is unmatched at the same price point based on what I found during my research.

My goal was to get a mid size pack that I could mainly commute (on bicycle) to work.  I also wanted to use it for day hikes and as a carry on for plane trips.  Size was a factor in my selection.  My old Longshot 70 was coming in about 1100 cu in of space.  I needed just at little more space for my haul to work.  I also own a TAG Chaos 3-day Assault Pack.  It's a little big at nearly 2000 cu in of space with limited compartments.  The Falcon II comes in a 1520 cu in and has a three compartment "stack" that can be cinched down if not used.

If money wasn't an option I would have chose the LBT-1547ARev Ranger Backpack.  Regardless of the size this is a perfect solution for just about all my tasks, but at $337 the Falcon II is a good 90% solution.

I wasn't sure with this pack in the beginning.  When I opened the Falcon II from the packaging it showed some signs of abuse.  Several of the pull cords on the zippers were frayed or crimped.  I replaced the worst ones with some paracord and cleaned off the dust.

Another issue I had was sometimes on the middle compartment the zipper would separate.  These YKK Zippers are self repairing, but I don't like to resort to that every time I go into a pouch.  Good thing is its covered by warranty if it gets worse or continues.    

After about a month of using the Falcon II I'm finding that I'm pretty happy with the purchase.  Following initial adjustments the pack now fits me like a glove.  I'm tall and have a narrow body frame.  The width and height of this pack allow me to take advantage of that when positioning it on my back .  I can haul a good load and not even notice it.  The narrow design makes it so it doesn't catch on anything (like in the isle of an airplane).  All my gear is finding a spot in the spacious 1520 cu inches.  Stuff I access more often is easily placed in one of the several organization panels that each compartment has.   The clamshell design is great for accessing deep into the bag at a moments notice.

It also has an area to carry a 100ml bladder and route for tubing in the compartment closest to your body.  I've read that a 100ml is a tight fit, but it can be done.   

I purchased two accessories for this pack which have enable me to utilize some of its features.  First was the  Maxpedition Universal CCW Holster.  A large loop field in the bladder compartment enables you to carry a weapon deeply concealed.  The loop field can be utilized for anything with Velcro, but the holster is a perfect addition to this pack.   The second was the Camelbak Bottle Pouch.  It's nearly identical to  the Maxpedition 10"x 4" Nalgene Bottle Holder, but its about half the price.  It hooks onto the molle with just a few snaps and can fit a standard Nalgene bottle.  

I have yet to be rained on or hike a long distance with this pack (coming soon).  Those are the only two areas I can't comment on, but several other reviews have.  I recommend you check those out for their perspective until I can get them in this review.

Bottom Line:

Pros
- Perfect size for my purposes (travel pack, daily bike commute, weekend hiking and geocaching).
- Compresses very nicely.
- Great build quality.

Cons
- Lots of straps (needs some form of management).
- Came with frayed zipper pulls.
- Zippers sometimes separate.

Verdict:
This pack has a narrow width that fits my body well.  That was an unexpected plus I had not considered when choosing the Falcon II and probably my favorite feature.  The compartmentalization is good for the setups I need (daily commuter, traveler and day hiker).  The main compartment compression straps can cinched down on any load and make it feel secure no matter the size.  I believe that system contributes to the "glove like" feeling you get when this pack is adjusted properly.  The build quality is as good as you've read about.  I think I may have gotten an oddball pack with my zipper pulls being damaged.  They were easy enough to fix I'm not going to make too much of a deal abou it.

I'm happy with the purchase and intend on getting several years use out of this pack.  This will be a part of my EDC and will serve as my wife's BoB if ever needed.  

Note: This is a "living review" posted after about 30 days (94 miles of commuting) of use of my Falcon II.  I'll be adding to it as I use this pack.  Please come back every once in a while and see what's been updated.  

Camelbak Bottle Pouch

Picked up a Camelbak Bottle Pouch today to attached to my Maxpedition Falcon II pack. Unfortunately they only had OD green (and my pack is black), but it was only $11.95. I figured for that price I can hang any color on the molle webbing. That plus it's only for my long hikes where I'm carrying a days worth of water. It looks similar to Maxpeditions 10x4 bottle holder with the exception of it being nearly half the price. If it meets the task I'll buy the black to match.

The pouch is designed to work with Camelbak bottles, but fits standard Nalgene bottles Thats good to know since the 12 I own will easily fit. I'll post up some photos of how it fits on my Falcon II.

Maxpedition Falcon II Backpack

The Maxpedition Falcon-II Backpack (Black) I ordered arrived today.  I'm upgrading from an older generation of the High Sierra Longshot 70 as my daily commuter.  First impressions weren't what I was expecting.  Based on what I read in many reviews I was looking for a superior build quality to what I've encountered in the past.  It didn't scream that when I opened it.

I have a TAG CHAOS 3 Day Assault Pack that's built like a brick house. That pack could catch a bullet - I think.  I guess that's what I was expecting from my Falcon II.  Only reason I don't use the TAG is it's just too big for me to haul around every day (1976 cu inches of cargo).

The other thing that may be frustrating me is that I'm having a hard time arranging my "stuff" with all the new space. I'm use to a compressed, organized pack that fits me like a glove.  The Longshot 70 has 1089 cu inches of room while the Falcon II has 1520 cu inches.  That's a lot of real estate and it feels like everything is sloshing around (not the packs fault). I figure once I add a packed lunch an extra shirt and some flip-flops It may firm up nicely.

In time I hope that it will grow on me so I'm not going to make any judgements yet.  I need to break it in a little too.  My old Longshot has been with me for about five years and it would have stayed if it was just a little bigger.  I'm going to try it for 30 day's and I'll post a "official" review. Please come back and check at  for the verdict toward the end of May.  See you then!

Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer

When I opened the mailbox today I saw my Maxpedition E.D.C. Pocket Organizer (Khaki) had arrived! I've been looking at packs and EDC setups to help me support my BRW campaign and this was one of the first things I needed right off the bat.  I'm going to get it all setup and I'll review it this weekend. 

127 Hours Movie Review

If your not familiar with the story line you must read this before you read any further. I finally got a chance to watch this movie the other night.  I'm very happy that I did because it was probably the best account of a real life event I've ever seen in a movie.  It's also made me rethink some of my hiking plans and processes in the near future.

This movie is really brought to you by two people.  The Director (Danny Boyle) and the Actor that portrays Aaron Ralston (James Franco).  These two make for a physically emotional account of this real life situation.  Its amazing really, but its also a movie you only need to watch once.  The music and sound are pretty dramatic as well.  It will all have you on the edge of your seat at about 1:18:30 into the movie.

When it was over I was practically speechless even though I know in my mind this was a "fictional" account of a real life event.  I had cold sweats during the amputation scene and actually had to take a break.  This is a first for any real or fictional video I've ever seen.

So If your an outdoors type person I recommend you see this.  Think of it as a reminder of how to prepare if your going off the grid.  Make sure you call mom, tell people where your going and when you'll be back.

One thing that was a little odd.  The movie time is 1h and 34 minutes.  Why not make it 1h and 27 minutes?

Project First Landing State Park

I'm gonna run here a lot this year...

2009 Activity Stats

A big increase over last years stats, but I had my GPSR the whole time this year. Plus I started distance running on top of hiking and geocaching.

Count: 54 Activities
Distance: 291.64 mi
Time: 46:07:11 h:m:s
Elevation Gain: 4,584 ft
Avg Speed: 6.3 mph
Calories: 42,954 C
Avg Distance: 5.40 mi
Median Distance: 5.31 mi
Max Distance: 20.40 mi
Avg Time: 00:51:14 h:m:s
Median Time: 00:50:57 h:m:s
Max Time: 02:17:51 h:m:s
Avg Elevation Gain: 255 ft
Median Elevation Gain: 214 ft
Max Elevation Gain: 766 ft
Elevation Loss: 4,791 ft
Avg Elevation Loss: 266 ft
Median Elevation Loss: 208 ft
Max Elevation Loss: 757 ft
Max Avg Speed: 11.5 mph
Max Speed: 22.4 mph

Geocaching Goals - Summer 2010

Goals are good to share with other people.  I'll see where I'm at with these two come Fall.

I'd like to knock out another 30 caches this summer and put at least two new caches out.  It's possible that's for sure I just need to create some time in the week to do it.  I'll do a regular cache and a micro.  Should be fun!

GeoCaching Season 2010

I don't know why I let the winter squash my desire to be outside, but I do.  This year I hope to have a little more time to partake in "other" outdoor activities such as: hashing, geocaching biking and of course running.

I dusted off my ole Geocaching.com account and downloaded a few pocket queries so now I'm ready to go.  I also picked up the Geocaching.com iPhone App for use when an opportunity presents itself.  It's $9.99 and it's hooked directly into the GC website to pull the latest information so I don't have to preload anything.  Thats a major plus when in cell coverage.  It also has an offline feature that's seems like it could be useful, but I'll have to check it out first.

Another app I have is called iGeoCacher which is mainly an offline caching tool thats a good backup if cell coverages is lacking.  It's been pretty reliable up to this point, but you have to preload everything.  I'll post updates as I test them out.